Tandori Bites: Fine Indian Cuisine

In Wilmington, this is where you go for great Indian food. It actually just opened a few months ago, so give grace if the waitress isn't familiar with the menu! The only time I've ever had Indian food was in NYC - the mecca of food that's good. So naturally, I was a bit nervous because the bar has been set HIGH! I was pleasantly surprised at how awesome the food was! With Indian food, expect it to take a bit longer than normal to be served - they're making everything fresh! I asked them to kick up my dish, to add some heat, and it was fabulous! And with most Indian food - the portions are smaller - hey, it's good to have right expectations!

If you're new to Indian food: go for a Chicken Masala - it's a butter sauce, and very mild.

If you're brave: go for the Buhna - my favorite!

And with any dish - adding Garlic Nan is a must - it will change your life!

Tandori Bites

1620 South College Road

Wilmington, NC 28403

(910) 794-4545

Islands Fresh Mex Grill

Islands. Why go to Moe's, Chipotle, or Qdoba when you can go to Islands? Islands is like one of these chains, but with a few unique twists. One, the menu is fun, fresh, and unique. Two, the ambiance: surfing, beachy, laid back, tropical decor done RIGHT! Located near the university, you're bound to be in line with college students just trying to escape the UNCW dining halls. Islands is most famous around UNCW for their TUESDAY DOLLAR TACO NIGHT. That's right, ONE DOLLAR. (Do expect a pretty serious line if class is in session on Tuesday nights.) Islands does have great drink specials with a full bar right across from their taco bar.

My personal favorite: The BLT Quesadilla. (The island sauce just makes it!) My husbands personal fav: The Jerk Chicken Quesadilla.

Again, support the local tex mex when craving tacos and burritos!

Islands Fresh Mex Grill

260 Racine Drive

Wilmington, NC 28403

(910) 799-2109

The Salt Shaker Cafe'

Here's a cozy cafe' tucked away off of Kerr Avenue, near UNCW. The Salt Shaker is a hidden treasure as it's located inside the Christian bookstore. The ambiance is quite peaceful. They offer an assortment of homemade pastas, sandwiches, and salads. They have a great loose tea selection as well as well priced coffee! A regular (size of Starbucks medium size drink) is a steal at $3.

If you are a local who is sad The Connection Cafe' closed down - you might look here for a similar feel.

The Salt Shaker Bookstore and Cafe'

705 South Kerr Avenue

Wilmington, NC 28403

(910) 350-1753

Chris' Cosmic Kitchen

Don't judge a book by it's cover when stepping foot into Chris' Cosmic Kitchen. Located off of Eastwood near UNCW, this spot is very simple on the outside but has exquisite food on the inside! Chris Lubben's resume alone should spark a desire to check this place out. He graduated from the Culinary Institute of America up in New York. Not to mention has formerly cooked for Port City Chop House, executive chef for Reel Cafe', as well as Bon Appetite's catering service. THE BEST part of Chris' Cosmic Kitchen is that you get top notch food for LESS THAN TEN DOLLARS! Not to mention breakfast is served all day. That's right, twelve omelets to choose from! EVERYTHING on the menu is made from scratch daily, from the Shrimp Bisque to the Cheesecakes!

Must try: Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Shrimp Bisque. This is no ordinary Grilled Cheese!

Looking for a deal - search for Chris' Cosmic Kitchen on Twitter and find some daily bargains!

Chris' Cosmic Kitchen

420 Eastwood Road

Wilmington, NC 28403

(910) 792-6720

PT's Old Fashioned Grille

Craving a delicious burger? Times are never tough enough to stoop to a fast food "burger." Yes, in Wilmington, we have MUCH better options! PT's Old Fashioned Grille is a local joint that's been around for over 20 years. They pride themselves in their fresh burgers, made from scratch fries, veggies chopped daily. The ONLY thing that comes from a "bag" or prepackaged is the lettuce. Just when you thought you were impressed, the fries are made in no trans fat free oil! Less guilty fries to please the health conscious! For $8, you are getting one fresh burger. Aside from burgers, the grilled turkey or roast beef sandwich is a win win! Their meat is sliced to order and grilled perfectly! To top it off, even the greatest of sweet tea snobs will find themselves approving their brew! In need of a beer to go with the burger? PT's has Shock Top on draft for $1.88. Though none of the restaurants are particularly flashy, their fresh food makes up for it!

There are currently 7 PT's locations, five in Wilmington (17th Street, Military Cut Off, Monkey Junction, Fountain Drive near UNCW, and Porter's Neck), one in Leland, and one inland downtown Chapel Hill, NC.

Nikki's Restaurant and Sushi Bar

Feeling adventurous and want to go out for sushi? Nikki's is your place to go! As a sushi virgin - my experience with Nikki's sushi couldn't have been better. The downtown location (Front Street) appears to be a whole in the wall, but do not be fooled! On a Tuesday night, there was a wait to be seated! There are also multiple locations scattered throughout Wilmington making Nikki's convenient. Let's say that you LOVE sushi, but the others in your party aren't so much a fan...Nikki's has quite the assortment of dishes to choose from including everything from tacos, wraps, sandwiches, and simple teriyaki chicken! The price point here is also worthy of being noted! You can easily eat under $10, sushi or not!

The Spicy Tuna with Avocado Sushi Roll was excellent with a perfect kick to it! I got suckered into the tempura banana dessert - basically a fried banana with choice of green tea or red bean ice cream...looks better than it tastes. Not nearly as sweet as I wanted it to be - not bad, just different. Last but not least, Nikki's seems to have pretty sweet drink specials. Tuesdays are 1/2 price imports...which are priced starting at $2.50 which is really not bad!